Can Gorillas Swim? Do Mountain Gorillas swim?
A species of large apes, gorillas are members of the genus Gorilla. The gorillas can be further classified into four subgroups and two major subspecies, the eastern and western gorillas.
Mountain and eastern lowland gorillas are part of the eastern subspecies of the gorilla, whereas the western subspecies includes the Congo River and western lowland gorillas. The most well-known of the four subspecies is the mountain gorilla.
The DNA of gorillas and other big apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, is remarkably similar to that of humans at 98 percent. This has made it possible for these apes to acquire characteristics that human’s share, such as high intelligence and ease of use of tools when looking for food and using sticks, for example, to extract ants from termite burrows.
In the Virunga Mountain ranges, mountain gorillas live. There are three of the eight volcanoes that comprise these ranges. Being active, but the remaining ones are dormant and have not shown any recent evidence of volcanic activity. Because mountain gorillas can only survive in the wild and are restricted to this region, this is the only place you will find them.
Gorillas live not just on the Virunga Mountains’ slopes but also at high elevations typically more than 2500 meters above sea level in the lush tropical rainforests. Because of their natural habitat, gorillas must reside near rivers and streams, which raise the question of whether or not they can swim.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
Can gorillas swim?
By nature, gorillas try to stay as far away from water as they can. Gorillas only engage with the water when absolutely necessary, primarily when fleeing from a predator or migrating to a different area. This demonstrates that gorillas are incapable of swimming because they are not natural swimmers.
Researchers identify mountain gorillas as non-natural swimmers since they are linked to chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans (the big apes), and humans.
The correct explanation for why most zoos build deep water trenches around their gorilla exhibits and other large primate exhibits, such as chimpanzee exhibits, is that gorillas are not naturally proficient swimmers.
As sentient animals, gorillas are aware of the risk of drowning in the water and will avoid messing with the water trenches surrounding their habitats.
It is rare to witness gorillas interacting with water in the wild. This is partially due to the fact that they obtain practically all of the water content they require from their food, which consists primarily of moist plant debris such as leaves, fruits, and bamboo shoots. Gorillas hardly ever need to go to water sources in order to drink, in contrast to other mammals.
Gorillas consume morning dew while they feed in the morning to add to the moisture they obtain from their meal. This indicates that gorillas can survive without a consistent supply of water. This significantly reduces the likelihood that a gorilla will learn to swim. Thus, the answer to the question that people ask themselves about gorillas’ swimming ability is that they cannot.
Reasons Why Gorillas Do Not Swim?
- Physiological Limitations, Gorillas sink in water because they are large and bulky animals. Their heads swim a little too quickly for them.
- Lack of Swimming Adaptations, Certain characteristics, such as webbed feet or streamlined bodies, enable aquatic animals to swim swiftly and smoothly. Swimming is not a strong suit for gorillas since they lack these characteristics.
- Short Limbs and Heavy Bones, to move efficiently in the water, swimmers need to have long limbs and light bones. Gorillas are poor swimmers due to their short limbs and thick bones. They find it difficult to glide across water or perform swimming strokes.
- Fear of Water, in particular, deep water in lakes or rivers is unpleasant to gorillas. They don’t swim because they avoid being near the water.
- Waterless Hydration, Gorillas don’t need to drink much water to survive because they obtain the majority of their moisture from their diet.
- Waterless Social Grooming, although gorillas cannot swim, they develop friendships among themselves. They employ dull methods to maintain group harmony.
- Lack of Swimming Skills, Gorillas is born without the ability to swim. Not in water, but in the rainforest, is where they are meant to live.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
11 Days
Private
11 days Uganda Premium Gorilla, Wildlife & River Nile Adventure
from
$ 2900
per personDo gorillas have a fear of water?
Although it’s often believed that gorillas may be afraid of water and that they aren’t very good swimmers, the question “Can gorillas swim?” raises interest in the primates’ aquatic habits.
The strong and magnificent gorilla of the African rainforests do not often have access to water in their lives.
They know their massive, muscular bodies are not designed for swimming or floating, therefore they normally stay well out of deep waters like rivers and lakes. They are not, however, completely afraid of the water.
They frequently wade or drink from shallow ponds or streams for enjoyment. Gorillas enjoy exploring the qualities of water and playing with it, especially when they are young. They might play in the sun with their buddies or use sticks to gauge the depth.
Mountain Gorilla
Although they are cautious and astute in their interactions with water, gorillas are not afraid of it. They have all the necessary adaptations for their terrestrial lifestyle in the varied and abundant jungle environments.
In conclusion, even if gorillas aren’t thought to be very good swimmers, the question “Can gorillas swim?” encourage research into the amazing range of abilities this species possesses in the water.
Friendly Gorillas Editor
Uganda gorilla trekking specialists focusing on delivering unforgettable gorilla experiences at unbeatable prices.
All Posts
Want to plan a memorable Gorilla adventure?
Chat with us, our team is always here to help!
You may also like …
Got any questions
about traveling to Uganda?
Get in touch.
